Hi and welcome to the GRFA fishing report updated on the 8th of May 2018.
We seem to have jumped straight from winter into summer. What a beautiful spring we’re having!! Here’s what’s been happening on the water and a few things coming up soon…
Sturgeon:
With the summer like weather we’ve been blessed with the Fraser River water levels have bumped up dramatically. With the interior snow packs being above average it’s going to keep coming up for a while, looks like we’re going to have an early freshet this year. With the high water comes allot of debris and anyone angling from an anchored boat really needs to keep an eye up stream to ensure that you don’t get run over by a floating log. Also, fishing lines need to be cleaned more often, at least every 20 minutes to make sure that the bait is not covered up. Most fish have moved into shallower water (under 40 feet) than they we’re in the late winter and the most consistent bait has been lamprey parts and coarse fish.
We have had a phenomenal start in the Fraser Canyon this year. The fishing has been ultra-steady with good numbers of above average fish coming on every charter. If you are thinking of running this special piece of water keep in mind that is very “heavy” water and not for the timid or unexperienced jet boater. Please be very careful!! The canyon is a high water fishery and the sturgeon haunts are not always obvious as the water levels tend to hide the really good spots. If you’re interested in trying your hand at biggest of the big in one of the most spectacular venue’s in the world drop Rick a line and he’ll be more than happy to help organize one of our Ultimate Fraser Canyon Sturgeon trips with you. rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
What better way is there to spend a comfortable spring day than sitting in a cozy covered jet boat waiting on another bite from the almighty sturgeon. With limited fishing pressure on the river this is a great time of year to get out and experience these dinosaurs of the deep. We offer half and full day outing’s via jet boat with nothing but the finest in guides and tackle. We pride ourselves in ensuring your day is as comfortable, safe and enjoyable as possible. Whatever your speed, we will cater to your needs. Call or email today.
Cutthroat Trout
The Harrison and Stave Rivers remain clear and high and have picked up as we are now seeing salmon fry in good numbers. Fish are nosing around for these minnows as the salmon life cycle begin a fresh. Best fishing has been at day break but they can keep biting all day with a little cloud cover, which we’ve had plenty of lately. Watch for fish crashing minnows close to shore and move to them.
Most anglers are targeting cuties with light fly gear. With the advent of the Salmon fry migration stick with small minnow patterns like the good old Rolled Muddler Minnow and Tied Back Minnows fished close to the surface. Look for fish rising, cutthroat are very schooly and even if you just see one riser there is a very good chance that there are a few more with it. Also cutthroat are very light sensitive creatures and you would be best to concentrate your efforts to low cloud covered days.
Novice to expert we can help you dial these little battlers in. We offer half and full day excursions via jet boat or walk in’s for these ghosts of the coast. Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to fill you in.
Pitt River:
With May upon us we start our annual Pitt River Fishery. This special fishery continues through the summer but having said that typically the best Bull Trout fishing is during freshet. No explanation why, just know that the numbers do not lie. Bigger fish and numbers. Great River Fishing Adventures guides have many years’ experience fishing the Upper Pitt River watershed and are knowledgeable about the area and effective techniques to target all species. As Jet Boats and experienced boat handling skills are required to access and fish this river, you rarely see other anglers, and more importantly this area is not over fished. It is truly an adventure that is easily accessible within a day from Vancouver. For a free personalized quote please drop Rick an email at rstahl@greatriverfishing.com
Steelhead:
The Vedder/Chilliwack river has gone to fly fishing only and is completely closed above the Vedder Crossing bridge. The river is very high at the moment and tough to fish. Look towards large darker intruder style flies with a very fast sinking tip and search out the “softer” water with good light penetration. Often in high and off colored water the fish will hold in fairly shallow water. The BC Water Flow Meter is good indicator on how the river is doing check it out HERE. If the river comes back to under 2.0 meters there will be some decent water to fish, keep in mind for the fly 1.5 to 1.75 is about perfect…
That’s all for now, until next time: tight lines and scream’n reels.
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